This week’s numbers at a glance:
- This week, we continued to see low-to-moderate transmission levels across the country.
- The Arizona 7-day rolling average was 531 new cases per day.
- This number reflects a slight post-Memorial Day bump in cases.
- Coconino County continues to be in the moderate transmission stage.
- At the Grand Canyon Clinic:
- As of last week, the clinic has administered 2,358 total vaccines, with 1,187 individuals now fully vaccinated.
- The clinic gives vaccines on Thursdays. Call ahead to make an appointment. They currently have both Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines available.
- The clinic would like to remind patients that all outside orders for lab work must be brought in ahead of any appointment. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment and bring your orders in advance.
- The clinic requires a mask regardless of your vaccination status.
- There is one new COVID-19 case in the park this week.
- Since the pandemic began, we’ve had 48 total positive COVID-19 cases in the park. To date, and as reported, none of the positive cases resulted from interaction with park visitors.
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New Study: Vaccination Prevents COVID Deaths
Research reported by a large number of news sources indicates that new deaths in the US from COVID-19 are almost entirely among unvaccinated people. In May of this year, only 0.8% of deaths from COVID-19 in the US were among vaccinated patients. If you haven’t already, please get vaccinated. It could save your life.
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Public Health Contacts
If you test positive for COVID-19, immediately inform your supervisor and our NPS Public Health Consultant. This is to ensure proper public health protocols are followed and that any exposure is minimized.
- Ronan King, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Public Health Service
- Mobile: (202) 891-8599
- Email: ronan_king@nps.gov
- For all email correspondence, please also cc: Chris Glime, Captain, U.S. Public Health Service
- Mobile: (202) 641-3518
- Email: christen_glime@nps.gov
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Navajo Nation Updates
The revised guidance is as follows:
- Wearing a mask is still mandatory in public on the Navajo Nation, whether a person is vaccinated or unvaccinated.
- The daily curfew is now 11 p.m.-5 a.m. MDT
- Social gatherings, traditional ceremonies, in-person trainings, and outdoor recreation activities of 25 or fewer are now permitted.
On June 25, the first case of the Delta variant on the Navajo Nation was discovered.
The arrival of the Delta variant in our area should remind all of us to stay vigilant. If you haven’t yet been vaccinated, please consider doing so to protect yourself and others from this new strain.
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COVID-19 Testing Details
- The Grand Canyon Clinic has testing available Monday-Wednesday.
- In Flagstaff, COVID testing is available at Coconino Community College at 2800 South Lone Tree Road, the NAU Fieldhouse at 1050 Knoles Drive and many other locations around town.
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Messages and Grand Canyon News
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Concessions & Partner Changes This Week
- Delaware North has expanded operating hours at the Yavapai Tavern, which will be open from noon to 10 p.m.
- Xanterra will begin offering Grand Canyon Kennel services on July 2. Services will be limited to the following:
- The Kennel will be open Friday through Monday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Overnight boarding is available Friday through Sunday nights only.
- On Mondays, the facility will be open for pick-ups and day boarding only.
- The Kennel will be closed and not staffed Tuesday through Thursday.
- After hours pick-ups will be available through the Xanterra Switchboard and Fire & Security.
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Rex Tilousi, Advocate for the Havasupai, Leaves Lasting Impact on Grand Canyon
Havasupai Tribal leader, former Grand Canyon National Park interpretive ranger and lifelong Grand Canyon resident Rex Tilousi passed away on June 19, 2021. Rex and his wife Rosella, who also passed away last year, were buried together at the Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery on Sunday, June 27. They both leave a lasting legacy at Grand Canyon and will be sorely missed. For more information on Rex’s life and impact, please read this article from the Associated Press.
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Photo courtesy of Grand Canyon Trust/Amanda Voisard
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65th Anniversary of TWA and United Airlines Crash
June 30 marked the 65th anniversary of the 1956 collision of TWA and United airliners over the Grand Canyon, resulting in the deaths of all 128 people aboard.
The tragedy above Grand Canyon was the deadliest civil aviation disaster in American history up to that point, and would have long-lasting consequences. Within two years, Congress formed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to manage and control America’s skies and airlines, modernizing equipment and procedures to try and prevent such a disaster from ever happening again.
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In 2014, the accident site was proclaimed a National Historic Landmark, both for the tragedy and its aftermath. In the 65 years since the accident, air travel has changed much, and is faster and safer than ever before. Yet, we must never forget the technologies and regulations that have allowed it to become so safe—nor the tragedies that preceded them.
On Wednesday, June 30, the son of one of the United Airlines victims, Tom Sulpizio, visited the South Rim at 10 a.m. to lay flowers at the United memorial in the Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery.
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Raphael Fire Nearing Containment
The Rafael Fire is now 78,000 acres as of Thursday afternoon and is at 89% containment. Some neighborhoods south and west of Flagstaff that were in SET status are now back in READY status.
According to the principles of READY, SET, GO, however, everyone living in this area should always be in READY mode. Keep reading to learn these principles.
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With an increase in local wildfires, an evacuation of Grand Canyon National Park or surrounding areas (including communities in Flagstaff) may be necessary due to a wildland fire. The Ready, Set, Go Program amplifies the common goal we all share for wildland fire preparedness.
The three steps encourage residents to get READY by preparing now for what threatens their community, be SET by maintaining awareness of significant danger and to GO, evacuate immediately when the danger is current and life-threatening.
READY: Means prepare now — for the upcoming fire season. Register for Coconino County emergency notifications at http://coconino.az.gov/ready. Take personal responsibility and prepare before the threat of a wildland fire arrives, so your home is ready in case of a fire. Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe place. Plan escape routes and make sure all those residing in the home know the plan of action. SET: Means be alert — when there is significant danger in your area. Know how to receive and stay aware of the latest news and information on the fire from local media, your local fire department and Coconino County emergency notifications. Consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area. This might be the only notice you receive.
GO!: This means Evacuate — danger in your area is current and life-threatening. Evacuate immediately to a shelter or to family/friends outside the affected area. Follow instructions from emergency personnel, and stay on designated evacuation routes. Doing so will not only support your safety, but will allow firefighters to best maneuver resources to combat the fire.
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Interpretive Programs Begin July 4
The Village District will start interpretive programs on July 4. The programs will include the following:
- 9 a.m. Geo Glimpse
- 8:30 p.m. Evening Program at the McKee Amphitheater.
Interpretive programs at Tusayan Ruins and the Desert View Watchtower area will be starting on July 4 as well. The schedule is to be determined.
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Construction on Transept Trail July 8-16
From July 8-16 on the North Rim, The Transept Trail between the East Veranda of the Grand Canyon Lodge and the Bright Angel Point Trail will be closed while trail crews repair several deteriorating stone walls. Visitors who want to travel to Bright Angel Point will need to take the main trail from behind the North Rim Visitor Center.
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South Rim District Report Available
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4th of July Celebration in Tusayan
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The Town of Tusayan will be hosting a July Fourth parade starting at 3:30 p.m. with a drone laser show after sunset. No fireworks will be permitted.
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Current Operational Hours
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South Rim
- Maswik Lodge Cafeteria: 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Bright Angel Fountain and Coffee House, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-10 p.m.
- Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, 6 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli-7 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Bright Angel Bikes, Rentals: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Cafe: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Kolb Studio: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Desert View
- Desert View Trading Post Coffee and Ice Cream and Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- Desert View Watchtower, staffed by GCC 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily
- Desert View Information Table, staffed by NPS. The table is located on the north side of the main parking lot, in front of the building on the left side of the Orientation Plaza. Hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily.
- Desert View Campground is open. Reservations can be made via www.recreation.gov.
North Rim
- Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk, NPS staffed from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily
- North Rim Visitor Center, GCC staffed from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- North Rim Lodge dining, 4:30-9:30 p.m. daily
- Deli in the Pines, 5 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
- Rough Rider Saloon, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
The following park closures remain in place:
- All residential areas
- South Rim Visitor Center (indoors), information table staffed 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily
- Headquarters Information Desk
- Yavapai Lodge Restaurant
- Grand Canyon Kennel
- Maswik Pizza Pub, Arizona Steak House, and Fred Harvey Burger
- Xanterra bus tours (suspended)
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